The “Special Rally” issue of the Organ—2018 Edition

The “Rally Edition” of the

Carousel Organ** 2018—Our 18th Issue Featuring “Grinders & Gavimen” Seven rallies & gatherings this year: 1). Lake Winnepesaukah, Rossville, GA 2). Knoebels Grove , Elysburg, PA 3). Dutch Village, Holland, MI 4). Pioneer Power Show, LeSueur, MN 5). Weston Street Organ Muster, Weston, MO 6). Soule Live Steam Festival, Meridian, MI 7). Mid-Winter Meeting, Naples, FL

*The official journal of the Carousel Organ Association of America (COAA) Devoted to enjoying, preserving and sharing knowledge of all outdoor mechanical musical instru- ments, including band, and street organs, calliopes, and hand-cranked organs of all sizes.

Photos provided by Bob Cantine, Luke Curtis, Gordie Davidson, Will Eley, Michael Falco, Sam Harris, Suzie Hendricks, Mikey Mills, Buzz Rosa, Paul Senger, Stephen Varonka, Wally Venable, Craig Wiley, Dan Wilke and Ron Bopp The “Special Rally” issue of the Carousel Organ—2018 Edition Lake Winnepesaukah Rossville, Georgia May 28-30, 2018

For the fourteenth consecutive Howard Wyman’s Wurlitzer 105 organs, percussion, concertinas and a year, Lake Winnie Amusement Park Replica. Mikey Mills celebrated his tuba liked by radio-MIDI. hosted a COAA Rally on Memorial birthday by bringing his Johnson 103, Saturday and Sunday afternoon at Day Weekend. Located just outside of playing Wurlitzer 125 scale music, for 2:00 PM. we held a crank organ con- Chattanooga, , Lake Winnie its first rally appearance. cert at the Lakeside Stage. At these has hosted yearly COAA Rallies since presentations the organ owners get a 2005. chance to see and hear each other's organs perform, and the general public has an opportunity to compare them.

Stefan Batist with his De Waterjuffer organ.

Ted Guillaum & Al Good at crank organ con- Stefan Batist brought “De cert. Waterjuffer,” the 45 key Verbeek built The forty-five registrants were for Ron Bopp. Howard Wyman with his Wurlitzer 105. from fifteen states. For several years The crank organs included ten this rally has been run with a “manage- playing paper rolls, one book organ, Entering the weekend everyone ment team,” rather than by a single and five playing MIDI or cartridge sys- was concerned about Tropical Storm host. Stefan Batist handled the Weebly tems. In addition to the organs we had Alberto which was threatening the website information, Mark Chester did a number of midi controlled concerti- Florida Panhandle. On Saturday and hotel liaison, Dave Mahr supplied the nas. Of these, 3 were 31-er, 1 37-er, 1 Sunday the weather was partly cloudy hospitality room resources, and I did 26-er, and 9 20-er. This gave a good with temperatures below 90°. In a last registration. We were a “non-commit- variety of instruments. At Lake Winnie minute decision, the park closed on tee” since each of us worked rather organs are positioned in ways which Memorial Day, due to the northward independently. assure that virtually every park visitor movement of the storm. sees multiple organs, and public inter- action is always good.

Dave Mahr & Angelo Rulli with the Raffin. Mikey Mills adjusting the roll on his Style 103. We had two “large organs” and nineteen crank organs actually playing. Deane Shepard’s “polka band” Brian Thorton & Massimo Passino demonstrat- The only trailer-mounted organ was was a favorite, incorporating crank ing.

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As always, Lake Winnie provided On Sunday evening we had our us with a good meal, dessert and plen- usual group dinner at Portofino's, a ty of seconds for those who were still local Grecco-Italian restaurant,. We hungry. Each registered group also had about thirty people present for the received a small gift as a token of their meal. The food and prices are always appreciation for our group. This is just great, but the best part is eating, relax- another illustration of the great south- ing and talking with other fellow ern hospitality that we receive from the COAA members after a long, hot day Lake Winnie park staff, lead by Adrian at the park. Rhodes. If enjoying the organ rally was Wally Venable, Rally Registrar not enough for some folks, Lake Winnie is always generous enough to offer every person registered for the rally free admission and a hand-stamp for unlimited rides and water park use. Wally Venable with Erie Airs.

Bob Buckler with his concertina. Suzie Hendricks with Stefan Batist. Judy and Darold Davis.

Grinders taking a break and participating in a group accordeon/concertina ensemble.

Bill Klinger cranking. Getting ready for the organ concert. Mikey Mills riding the carousel.

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Knoebels Grove Amusement Park Elysburg, PA June 16-17, 2018

More than 165 COAA members COAA—providing “The Happiest and their families descended upon Music on Earth.” Leeanna Knoebel Elysburg, PA for a great organ rally at welcomed the COAA members; Knoebels Grove Amusement Park. President Angelo Rulli addressed the Over 12 large organs and many, many membership and families as well. small hand-cranked organs provided Although the rally officially ended music for the Knoebels ‘ crowd. Sunday evening a number of hardy Additionally three canine friends of souls returned to take advantage of a COAA families were present: Beau day of unlimited rides on Monday, an (Yorburgs), Gracie (Bopps), and Sadie ongoing tradition associated with this Mae (Hallocks). rally.

Tim Wagner presided at the Lighthouse.

The “Concerts at the Lighthouse” were hosted by Tim Wagner and many members had chance to demonstrate and show off their organs to the public. Complimentary tickets were handed out to registrants and many took advantage of all the neat rides in the park. Saturday evening we were treated Eddie and Bernice Evarts. to a picnic along with a series of sheet Rally organizer, Mark Chester. cakes depicting the 20 years of the

Greg Badger with his Tangley calliope.

John & Susan Gordon. A fish-eye view of the Evarts’ Stinson fairground organ. 4 The “Special Rally” issue of the Carousel Organ—2018 Edition

Terry and Jan Bender with their 58-note cal- Liz and Mike Barnhart at the organ’s computer. liope.

Leanna Knoebel cranking her organ at the Terry Fitch relaxing between organ plays. Lighthouse.

Ian Fraser cranking his Celestina. Jill and Peter Hallock.

Joe Hilferty demonstrating his Wurlitzer Style Jean Milburn and Roger Wiegand. 106 band organ. 5 The “Special Rally” issue of the Carousel Organ—2018 Edition

Tom Bauques plays his 31-note custom-made Bob Buckler cranking his Verbeeck street Paul Senger, Sally Craig and Martin Steenbock street organ. organ. taking a break.

Al Kusmira with his beautiful 31-note Raffin Sam and Ann Harris performing at the Dennis and Mearylan Green. complete with trumpet and piccolo pipes. Lighthouse with a typewriter and organ.

Tim Wagner records Bob & Marcia Ebert at the Clark Haynam gives the “thumbs up” for the Ed Learner admires the Gordon’s granite cal- Lighthouse. rally. liope.

Jean Orcutt getting ready for the concert. John Ravert, Peter Hallock and Tom Evansew Sam Harris chats with Gavin McDonough. discussing organ-related items. 6 The “Special Rally” issue of the Carousel Organ—2018 Edition

Bob Stuhmer and Marie Beemish at lunch. Buzz Rosa. Greg and Linda Swanson with friend.

Howard Kohlbrenner, “Sadie Mae” and Jill Paul Senger and his John Smith organ. Joseph van Steenburg moving to a new spot. Hallock taking a break.

John Wolbach with his 20-note John Smith Dan and Ann Wilke along with Walt Kehoe Lawrence McGowen hand-playing the calliope. crank organ. (and friend).

Martin Anderson, Al Kusmira and Mary Jane President Angelo Rulli and Ron Bopp cranking Doug Meachum cranking in the shade. Anderson in conference. De Dubbele Harmonette.

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Dutch Village Holland, MI July 14-15, 2018

On Saturday, 31 instruments and 65 rally-goers participated in playing for guests of Dutch Village. The guests were given a token to vote for their favorite instrument. A great time was had with various spontaneous specta- cles of concertinas, organ duets, and the polka band from the Shepard/Mishke/Beckman group. Special Dutch Village events included an exclusive hour long private tour of the restorations that are happening on- site, a fantastic traditional dinner, and awards. The tour started with the histo- ry of the Nelis Family and the Dutch Village, then continued to go into the involvement of various restorers, the transformation of Gouden Engel (the Golden Angel) over the past few off- A favorite Dutch Village photo spot. seasons, and the steps that the owners are taking to ensure the organ has a made chocolate sauce and fresh straw- took the prize for the attendee that bright future and continues to be the berries on the side) for dessert. traveled the farthest. highlight of the experience at this After dinner the attendants were small family-run attraction. welcomed to the organ restoration workshop where the projects and new music were discussed in detail and amazement. The hospitality room at the host hotel was lively and conversa- tions continued well into the morning hours. On Sunday some of the farther traveling groups heading home early People’s Choice awardees, Henk & Irene and those who stayed had a lovely Noordemeer. meal at a local David Schroeder playing his Raffin. The award for the People's Choice restaurant and was a hand decorated wooden bowl also went out for For the traditional dinner, we were with the carousel horse from the Dutch ice cream. The served Bitterballen (deep fried minced- Village carousel burned and painted. rally was very meat balls) and drinks for an appetizer The Traveler's Trophy was a beautiful successful, and and social hour, the main dish was pair of hand decorated full sized wood- many relation- Boerenkool Stamppot met Worst en shoes with the logos of COAA and ships were deep- (mashed potatoes with kale and Nelis' Dutch Village painted on the ened and contin- sausage, skirt steak and gravy on the fronts. Henk and Irene Noordermeer's ued. side), and Moorkopjes (eclairs/cream Cornelis Leendert NBC Dutch street Dave Smith, Editor of Luke Curtis puffs filled with real hand-beaten organ won the award for people's the FOPS’ Key Frame, whipped cream covered with hand- choice, and Karl and Linda Schuler takes a hand at a Dutch street organ. 8 The “Special Rally” issue of the Carousel Organ—2018 Edition

A group performance. Carl and Sharon Curtis show off their Stinson Model 29 organ.

Organs lined up while Deanne Shepard (right) plays on. Larry Mishke toots a horn.

The Noordermeer’s Cornelis Leendert as seen Marc and Debe Dannecker along with Stefan Joseph Van Steenburg cranks his 20er Yankee across a reflection pool. Batist enjoy their Verbeeck street organs. Doodle.

Spencer Meachum poses with his organ. Wally Venable cranks while promoting the Allen Zagel with a Pell Harmonette. COAA. 9 The “Special Rally” issue of the Carousel Organ—2018 Edition

Pioneer Power Show LeSueur, MN August 24-26, 2018

Twenty-two COAA members from six end of the day. A wide variety of home- states rendezvoused in the “Valley of the made cookies topped off the evening meal. Jolly Green Giant” the weekend of August 24 through 26 for a crank organ rally held on the grounds of the Pioneer Power Show (PPS) in rural LeSueur, Minnesota. The picturesque setting was an ideal site and the abundance of live steam engines made for an appealing blend of interests for the rally participants and the thousands of show visitors. Friday’s rainy weather pre- vented some members from setting-up due A group photo of attendees. to lack of cover, but the appreciative crowds that enjoyed the several organs that Several members with long drives Deanne Shepard cranking away. were underway were a mere sampling of ahead got an early start for home as the enthusiastic throng that greeted every- Sunday’s weather again looked dicey. Only Saturday night gave everyone an one for the beautiful Saturday session! the simplest set-ups entertained the slight- opportunity to tour a unique collection of An inch-and-a-half scale railroad ly smaller crowd, with much of the Pioneer farm toys at the nearby home of Loren winds through the beautiful wooded area Power Show activities wrapping things up Stier. The sprawling buildings housing the on the north end of the Pioneer Power around 1:00 PM (which is tradition at this collection seem to go on endlessly with grounds. This was a natural attraction for event), and which happened to coincide models of every conceivable farm youngsters; and those that are young at with even more rain. Rally participants all machine, sometimes with many examples heart. Several trains were operating, agreed that the great interest shown by the of the same unit in multiple scales. including two “diesel” electric units, a trol- attendees of the Pioneer Power Show and Miniatures weren’t the only items in the ley, and a live steam locomotive. The PPS its leaders made this rally an unforgettable collection, as a 1924 Universal Fire Truck officials were anxious to have an organ experience for all. (made in Saint Paul, MN), a 1922 Model T grinder ride the rails with an organ on Ford, and a replica of a typical farm home board, and the occasion was recorded for before there was electricity were among inclusion in their future advertising. the numerous full-size displays.

Mike Schoeppner behind the scenes.

There was plenty to do off the grounds in the evenings, too. Friday night featured Marc Dannecker with his Verbeeck organ. Organizer, Ralph Schultz, poses with an organ. a pizza party at the home of rally hosts Each COAA registrant received two Ralph and Carol Schultz, a short distance Finally, Sunday afternoon’s rain $5 coupons which could be redeemed at from the rally’s official hotel in Belle brought many members together for a meal the Thresher’s Kitchen on the grounds. Plaine, MN. A tour of the Schultz’s diverse at the Thresher’s Kitchen to compare notes Most were surprised to have the balance of collection of automatic musical instru- and reflect on the fun and great success of their lunch purchase cost waived as a ments—including a 115-key Prinsen street the weekend’s events. This was the second “thank you” for their contribution to the organ and Stinson 47 band organ—was COAA rally at the Pioneer Power Show, weekend’s entertainment, and the tasty enjoyed by all and the variety of pizzas and based on the reaction of participants, home-style meals were certainly well with plenty of cool beverages was a deli- show officials, and observers, it won’t be received! cious and filling way to wind down at the our last! Ralph Schultz 10 The “Special Rally” issue of the Carousel Organ—2018 Edition

Weston Street Organ Muster Weston, MO October 20-21, 2008

Over the river and through the past is Historic Weston, Missouri. The Carousel Organization of America and Weston Chamber of Commerce sponsored the Historic Weston Street Organ Muster III the weekend of October 20-21. About 30 Organ grinders from 12-States played their crank organs, concertinas and accordions up and down Main Street. The weather was perfect for the hundreds of enthusias- tic visitors. Gordie Davidson. Rally organizer, Gordie Davidson Tom Griffith, son Brett and Mike Schoeppner.

Suzie Hendricks and Carl Cavitt play together. Tim Wagner and Tom McAuley with Tom’s Jim Quashnock with his Verbeeck street organ. Jaeger & Brommer street organ.

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Tom Bode watches while a spectator plays his Weston Mayor, Cliff Harvey, COAA President, Angelo Rulli, and Museum Curator, John Pottie, street organ. pose for a photograph.

Ted Guillaum, Sue Davidson, Angelo Rulli and Suzie Hendricks. Carol & Ralph Schultz rest between plays on their Prinsen street organ.

Father Christmas, Tom hooper, poses with Darold Davis and H.C. Beckman providing entertainment. Suzie Hendricks.

Sandy and Mike Schoeppner proudly display their Dutch street organ. Bill Klinger adjusts his street organ.

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Soule Live Steam Festival Meridian, MI November 2-3, 2018

For the eighth consecutive year the Airphon was a real show stopper not only COAA Meridian Fall Rally was hosted for its significant volume but also, wonder- during the Soulé Live Steam Festival. The ful music. The Soulé Steam Festival festival, held at historic Soulé Steam Feed enjoyed a trio performance of instruments Works, is home of the Mississippi including the Quashnock’s 40-key Johnny Industrial Heritage Museum, the Official Verbeeck street organ and two concertinas. Historical Industrial Museum in the state. The children enjoyed cranking the small Greg Hatcher, executive director of the organ and trying to play the Concertinas. museum and Roger Smith from the leg- endary Temple Theatre were the hosts of the event held in Meridian, Mississippi. Twelve COAA members attended and Angelo Rulli, Ted Guillaum and Roger Smith. brought four organs and three Concertinas. On Saturday night we were treated to a barbeque dinner sponsored by the Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum and served in the Temple Theatre Ballroom. The meal was followed by a silent movie accompanied with live theater organ music played by David Benson, a Kathy Quashnock, Ted Guillaum and Steven Rodriquez perform for the public. local organist. Roger Smith provided for a wonderful Saturday night at the Temple Organ Grinder Ted Guillaum joined in Theatre that included a tour of the pipe Jim Quashnock tends to his Gebr. Bruder. the fun with his Whittmann organ and con- chambers, which was a great adventure. certina. Suzie Hendricks and Angelo Rulli The Meridian Fall Rally is a perfect exam- The festival had another banner year added to the street entertainment and a ple of an event that gives a taste of with attendance of more than 2,000 people group of wandering concertina players England’s Great Dorset Steam Fair and coming from around the country to experi- were a hit as they played around the genuine Southern hospitality. Continued ence the steam era and see how America grounds. support by COAA, members and instru- was built by industry. More than 60 volun- ments is greatly appreciated and welcomed teers worked as demonstrators, presenters at the festival. Plans have been made to and exhibitors at the event. There were host the rally again in 2019. large and small steam engines operating on Greg Hatcher real steam. COAA members’ musical instruments are a great fit with the activi- ties of the festival. On Saturday, Earth’s Bounty, a large farmers’ market nearby, attracted many visitors and the new Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience (The Max) hosted Mississippi Day at Mississippi’s $50-million-dollar Jean Orcutt with her Pell Harmonette. salute to native creativity and talent from across the nation. The Vintage Wheels Car Karl Schuler debuted his homemade Club held their annual car show. The 20 note organ based on a John Smith and English Motorcar Club of Jackson also Mel Wright with MIDI and both hand came to experience the day. The festival crank and motor bellows drive. Jean Orcutt and rally enjoyed sunny skies and mild entertained in Steam Alley with her Alan temperatures on both days. “Steam Alley” Pell 20 note Harmonette as well as playing and the street next to the museum were a few tunes on the Great Highland filled with the “Happiest Music on Earth.” Bagpipes. All worked to provide an enjoy- Jim & Kathy Quashnock’s Gebr. Bruder able two-day event. Karl Schuler with his self-made organ.

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Mid-Winter Meeting Naples, Florida February 16-18, 2018

42 COAA members and friends The day was finished with a gour- attended the 2018 Mid-Winter meeting met dinner at McCormick & Schmicks in Naples, Florida. Saturday morning restaurant. began with an exciting mart. Following the exchange of goodies and money three presentations were given: 1. “2017 Bumbling Bruder Tour” by Ron Bopp 2. “Rare Organettes” by Bob and and Diane yates and Mark and Beth Mitchell 3. “Replicating the Seeburg KT Special” by Bill Edgerton President Angelo Rulli making a purchase at the mart.

Bill and Anne Edgerton were the best hosts.

Sunday was a special treat as were allowed to come and view the collec- tion of Jarda Dvorak (Czech paintings, three huge barrel orchestions and over 200 clocks, some musical). Ron Bopp

Three workshop presenters: Bill Edgerton, Bob Bill Griffin demonstrating a musical box. Yates and Ron Bopp Following the morning’s work- shops members were divided into two groups to see either the Bill and Ann Edgerton collection (large pneumatic instruments) or that of Norm Dolder and Bill Griffin (cylinder musical boxes). Note: the Edgerton large organ colletion was featured in a cen- terfold in issue #76 of the Carousel Bill Griffin and Norm Dolder enjoying a joke. Organ.

A 50 key Kolb & Sohn barrel organ in the Dvorak collection. Attentive members enjoying the workshops. Jarda Dvorak welcoming our group. 14 The “Special Rally” issue of the Carousel Organ—2018 Edition

Craig Darlak capturing a Gasparini organ. Claire and Bill Zaiser. Anne Edgerton manning the projector at the workshops.

B Bronson at the mart. Bill Edgerton demonstrating a Gavioli organ Eva Dvorak and Mildred Hardman. while John Fenestermaker looks on.

Bill Edgerton demonstrating his Limonaire Fair Not for sale, but interesting, was this Gavioli Howard Sanford, Howard Wyman, Craig Organ. Fair Organ jigsaw puzzle. Darlak and the Zaiser’s watch a demonstration.

A good laugh is enjoyed by Diane and Bob Carol & Ed Kraus and Suzie Hendricks atten- Rex Burgett enjoying the clocks at the Dvorak Yates. tive to the organ plays. collection. 15 Some Parting Shots of Members in 2018